DOCSLIB.ORG

Macroalgal Mass Development in the Wadden Sea: First Experiences With

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Macroalgal Mass Development in the Wadden Sea: First Experiences With HELGOL,~NDER MEERESUNTERSUCHUNGEN Helgol~nder Meeresunters. 49, 519-528 (1995) Macroalgal mass development in the Wadden Sea: iirst experiences with a monitoring system K. Kolbe l, E. Kaminski 2, H. Michaelis 1, B. Obert 1 & J. Rahmel 1 llVieders~chsisches Landesamt fDr Okologie, Forschungsstelle KDste; An der Mfihle 5, D-26548 Norderney, Germany 2[nstitut fDr Mfeereskunde (Abtlg. 1Vleeresbotanik), Universit~t Kiel; DDsternbrooker Weg 20, D-24105 Kiel, Germany ABSTRACT: The distribution and cover density of macroalgae (Chlorophyta, Ulvaceae) were estimated by means of aerial surveys in 1990-1992 in the Wadden Sea of Niedersachsen, an intertidal area of some 1200 km 2 situated at the German North Sea coast. Each year, up to a maximum of 15 % of the total area was covered by algae. The spatial distribution was hetero- geneous. In some subregions the macroalgal carpets covered from 30 % up to 60 % of the tidal flats. The cover density was at its peak in 1990. Additionally, tentative ground truth investigations were carried out on species composition. Reviewing other reports of macroalgal mass development at various sites in Europe, it is assumed that in the German Wadden Sea the recent macroalgal blooms have to be regarded as a response to eutrophication, and will presumably remain a chronic problem for many years to come. INTRODUCTION In the summer of 1989 attention was drawn to a sudden outburst of benthic green algae (Ulvaceae) occurring simultaneously in the entire German Wadden Sea. Large parts of the tidal flats were covered by macroalgal vegetation, a hitherto unfamiliar occurrence, which varied from a scattered patchwork, to dense carpets of up to 25 cm thickness. Air-surveillance was commenced by both Schleswig-Holstein (Reise, pers. commun.) and Niedersachsen. In the following summers (up to 1992) the green algae have repeated their excessive growth. Accordingly, the aerial surveys have been main- tained and have meanwhile resulted in a regular monitoring programme. The results for 1990-1992 from the Niedersachsen coast, i.e. the area between the Eros and the Elbe estuaries, are given in the present report. The current situation is compared with early descriptions of the Wadden Sea vegetation (Nienburg, 1927; Linke, 1939; Gessner, 1957) and some recent studies on macroalgal mass development. METHODS Aerial surveys Aerial surveys of algal cover along the coast of Niedersachsen (Fig. 1) were carried out 3 to 5 times during the summers of 1990-1992. They were performed with a single- ' Biotogische Anstalt Helgoland, Hamburg 520 K. Kolbe, E. Kaminski, H. Michaelis, B. Obert & J. Rahmel N "'- .~| NORTH SEA i. =SI. e 5 6 ".j Bremerhavefl Wilhelmshaven ~0 ~,~=...~ Emden NL ~ FRG ~" ~ ~ 1'o iokm Fig. 1. The survey area (shaded), divided into 16 subregions from west to east for data interpretation purposes engined aeroplane from a constant height of 200 m. The mappings were done at about low tide when the intertidal flats were completely exposed. Each time, two flights were necessary to cover the whole Niedersachsen coast. Topographic maps (1:50 000) were used for the plots. As standard maps do not represent the dynamic morphology of the tidal flats and the channel system properly, they were corrected in advance and com- pleted by information from the most recent aerial photographs available, Mapping was done independently by two trained persons, observing the area through the windows of the aeroplane. The localized intertidal algal stands were plotted manually onto the maps. Different cover densities ( 1-5 %, 6-20 %, 21-50 %, 51-80 %, > 80 %), estimated from visual impression of colour and texture, were indicated by different hachures. Varying thicknesses of the algal mats could not be distinguished from the air. The final result was gained by comparison, combination, and interpolation of the two parallel plots. The areas of each cover scale were measured from the resulting maps using a digitizer. The share of the tidal flats covered by algae was calculated for each subregion and for the entire area (1200 km2). The validity of the cover density assessments was examined in July 1991 by local ground truth observations in 7 localities near the islands Borkum, Spiekeroog, and Mellum (subregions 1, 8 and 12). Again the cover density was estimated visually. In five cases the estimations were well in accordance with the assessments from the aerial survey which was performed 7 to 10 days in advance. In one case the aerial estimation was higher, in one case lower than the ratings on the spot. Because of these differences, only two categories, i.e. 1-50 % and >50 %, were used in the final evaluation (Fig. 2). Macroalgae in the Wadden Sea 521 ~ ~r.~ ~ cover category 60 >50% .1111 40 i/.,// ..... 20 (August) 40 r~ O 20 1991 (July) 4O Z//H l/H/ 20 1992 (June) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 subregion Fig. 2. Spatial distribution of benthic macroalgae in the intertidal area of Niedersachsen (Germany) 1990-1992 Species composition Already during the first outburst of macroalgal growth in 1989, samples for tax- onomic determinations were collected in July from 16 locations near Norderney and Baltrum (subregions 5 and 6). The material was completed by collections in July 1991 522 K. Kolbe, E. Kaminski, H. Michaelis, B. Obert & J. Rahmel from 7 locations (subregions 1, 8, 12) and July 1992 from 8 locations (subregion 5). From each station a random collection, partly preserved (4 % formalin in seawater) and partly fresh thalli, was determined to species and, in some cases, to subspecies level. Descriptions of substrata and the effects of macroalgae on sediment and benthos are based on quahtative field observations. RESULTS Spatial, seasonal and interannual variability of coverage As an example, Figure 3 represents the results of two surveys in the tidal flat region behind four of the East Frisian Islands in July and August 1991. The location and extension of the algal fields are given without indication of cover densities. Not only the size of the algal fields changed from one month to another, but also their position was subject to considerable shirtings. Figure 2 illustrates how the maximum coverage of algal mats was distributed over the 16 subregions of the survey area in the years 1990-92. Only the two cover categories <50 % and >50 % are considered. The areas of dense algal cover shifted from the western and middle subregions in 1990, to the middle and eastern subregions in 1991 and 1992. In 1990 (August) the maximum coverage was recorded on the tidal flats of the western-most East Frisian islands Borkum (subregion 1) and Juist (subregion 2), with 60 % and 40 % coverage, respectively; however, high densities of algae also occurred in the intertidal of the other islands (subregion 5-9). This was the most intense algal development observed within the three years. In 1991 (July) and 1992 (June), the area between Norderney and Wangerooge (subregion 5-9) supported the major part of the algal crop. Furthermore, the tidal flats between the Jade and Elbe estuary (subregion 11-16) were more severely affected than in 1990. With the exception of the long-lived mussel beds and some Lanice-populations which were covered annually, the vegetation pattern in each subregion changed every year. Constantly low algal cover was registered in subregion 4: a sheltered, muddy bay without suitable substrata for macroalgae. The seasonal dynamic of the macroalgal development as derived from the aerial surveys differed from year to year, with regard to both the onset of growth, and the duration of the vegetation period. In 1990 (5 monthly surveys), growth started early in May, and the mats largely survived until late September. In 1991 (3 monthly surveys) the growing period began in June and most of the coverage had already disappeared by late August. In 1992 (5 monthly surveys), algal development recommenced in May, but - different from 1990 - the stands became rather scarce by September. The peak of algal cover was recorded in late August for 1990, in July for 1991 and for 1992 already in June. The results of aerial surveys during the times of maximum extension (Table 1), give an impression of the interannual variability of algal cover. The total area (cover density 1-100 %) was approximately the same size every year: about 180 km 2 or 15 % of the surveyed area, respectively. However, with regard to the vegetation density, distinct interannual differences can be defined. The major coverage was recorded in 1990, when almost 70 % of the overgrown area supported an algal cover of the categories 4 or 5 (>50 %). In 1991 and 1992, only some 20 % of the vegetation was that dense, In 1991, Macroalgae in the Wadden Sea 523 July7th-10th 1991 LAN( fj~~NORDERNEYBALTRUM ,- "~t~ . :.; Scattered thalliof algae /~)-r ~ Algae stands August22nd-29th 1991, (,' ~~ ~y 0 ; l'0km Fig. 3. Two examples of aerial survey results in the East Frisian part of the Wadden Sea. Areas covered by algae are given without indication of different cover densities only approximately 50 % of the area involved was more than 20 % covered. In 1992, the 20 % cover category was surpassed by 70 % of the algal mats. Species composition, substrata preference, and effects In addition to the results of the aerial surveys, only preliminary and tentative ground truth data are available, with hardly any information on spatial and seasonal variation. Sampling for taxonomy and observations of substrata and effects were restricted to only a few spots in the intertidal area of the Niedersachsen coast. 524 K. Kolbe, E. Kaminski, H. Michaelis, B. Obert & J. Rahmel Table 1. Maximum macroalgal cover recorded by aerial surveys in the summers of 1990-1992 on the intertidal flats of Niedersachsen (Germany) Cover category Area covered (kin 2) 1990 1991 1992 (August) (July) (June) 0 % 1040 1040 1058 1- 5% 11 13 24 6- 20 % 26 84 36 21- 50 % 22 53 70 51- 80% I25 34 37 81-100% 3 3 2 total cover 187 187 169 % share of surveyed area 15 % 15 % 14 % Concerning species composition, predominantly representatives of the family Ulvaceae were identified in the algal mats.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Gemeinsame Zeitung „Gutetiden“ Der Ostfriesischen Insel Erschienen Ostfriesische Inseln Gmbh Goethestr
    Auslagehinweis Gemeinsame Zeitung „gutetiden“ der Ostfriesischen Insel erschienen Ostfriesische Inseln GmbH Goethestr. 1 26757 Borkum T. 04922 933 120 M. 0151 649 299 53 Geschäftsführer: Göran Sell www.ostfriesische-inseln.de gutetiden Ausgabe 01 - Das Beste in der Nordsee. In unserer ersten Ausgabe von "gutetiden" erfahren Sie mehr zur Gründung der Ostfriesische Inseln GmbH, zum kostbaren Vermächtnis - dem UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe Wattenmeer, sehen die Inselwelt von oben und erfahren Spannendes über das Leben der Insulaner. gutetiden ist auf den Inseln in den Tourist Informationen erhältlich oder kann ganz bequem über diesen Link geblättert https://issuu.com/ostfriesische-inseln/docs/zeitung- ofi_ausgabe_01 werden. Viel Freude beim Lesen. www.ostfriesische-inseln.de Auf Wangerooge finden Interessierte die „gutetiden“ im ServiceCenter der Kurverwaltung sowie in der Tourist Information in der Zedeliusstraße und im Meerwasser-Erlebnisbad und Gesundheitszentrum Oase. Über die Ostfriesische Inseln GmbH: Die Ostfriesische Inseln GmbH wurde im Dezember 2017 als Dachorganisation gegründet. Ihr Anspruch ist es, die Stärken der Ostfriesischen Inseln nach außen zu tragen und sie als international führende Urlaubsregion zu etablieren. Schon jetzt gehören die Ostfriesischen Inseln zu den Top-Destinationen in Deutschland. Durch den Tourismus erwirtschaften sie einen Bruttoumsatz von rund 1 Milliarde Euro im Jahr. Gesellschafter der Ostfriesische Inseln GmbH sind die Tourismusorganisationen der Inseln Borkum, Juist, Norderney, Langeoog, Spiekeroog und Wangerooge – außerdem die Reedereien AG EMS, AG Norden- Frisia, Baltrum-Linie GmbH & Co. KG, Schiffahrt Langeoog, Schifffahrt Spiekeroog und in Kürze auch Schifffahrt Wangerooge. Der Geschäftsführer der Ostfriesische Inseln GmbH ist Göran Sell, der gleichzeitig auch Geschäftsführer der Nordseeheilbad Borkum GmbH ist. Den Vorsitz der Gesellschafterversammlung hat Wilhelm Loth, Geschäftsführer der Staatsbad Norderney GmbH.
    [Show full text]
  • North Sea (Germany) Including Information on the Culicids (Diptera
    LüHKEN et at.: 87-95 Studia dipterotogica 1 6 (2009) Heft 1 /2 . ISSN 0945'3954 Mosquito species on the Island of Baltrum in the southern North Sea (Germany) including information on the culicids from the Islands of Langeoog and Mellum (Diptera: Culicioäe) [Die Stechmucken-Arten der Insel Baltrum in der südlichen Nordsee (Deutschland) einschließlich Informationen zu den Culiciden der Inseln Langeoog und Mellum (Diptera: Culicidae)l by RenKe LÜHKEN, E,IIen KIEL, Tammo LIECKWEG and RoIf NIEDRINGHAUS Oldenburg (Germany) Abstract During the summer of 2008, the species composition of mosquitocs (Diptera. Culictdae) rvas studied for three East Frisian lslands in northern German-v. On the Island of Baltrum,4T pools and ditches rvithin a salt marsh and dune complex rr ere sampled rvith sweep nets approximately even' t\\'o ueeks fiom,.\pril to Jull'2008. Adult mosquitoes rverc collected wrth a fixed light trap tiont July' to November 2008. Additionalll/' random samples rvere taken from comparable waterbodies on the islands ofLangeoog and Mellum ber$een July and September 2008. A total ofnrne tara rvere identified . .Anopheles maculipennis complex, Anopheles claviger com- plex,Ochlerotatuscaspius(P.tl.rs. l77l).Ochlerotalusdetitus (Her-lo.w, 1833),Ochlerotatus dorsalls (MercE^- , | 830). Ochterotalils rlslicrs (Ross t, 1790), Culex piplens LruN.q.sus, l7 58, Culex torrentiutll N{.rxrrNt. 1925. and Culiseta annulala (ScumNr, 1776).Five species were recorded for the first time on the Ea-st F'risian Islands.. Ochlerotatus caspius, Oc. detritus. Oc. dorsalis, Oc. r.ttsticus and C.uler lorrenlitol. Four mosquito taxa were recorded for the first time on Baltrum: ,lnopheles nnculipennis contpler, An.
    [Show full text]
  • On the Beach Nature Explained
    BOOK REVIEWS land disappeared under water, including viewing it as an indifferently designed work On the beach the legendary Rungholt, east of the of other purpose. The author's skills lie in present island of Pellworm. A second Donald J.P. Swift the collecting and ordering of information. Mandrdnke occurred on 11 October, Chapters that attempt to take an overview, 1694. But the main and partially enduring such as those on natural preconditions and The Morphodynamlcs of the Wadden land losses, resulting in the formation of barrier-island development, are not Sea. By Jurgen Ehlers. A.A. Balkema: Jade Bay, the Dollart and the Zuider Zee, altogether successful, although they are 1988. Pp.397. DM 185, £52. 75. did not occur as the result of single events, always interesting. On the other hand, the but gradually, through many smaller relentless procession of maps, aerial THE Wadden Sea is the intertidal zone of stages. These land losses were due to a photographs and, above all, photograph the German Bight of the North Sea. lack of technical infrastructure capable of after photograph at ground level, has a Varying in width from 10 to 50 km, it is an protecting the vast forelands from the hypnotic effect. Somewhere through the expanse of tidal channels, flats, inlets, destructive effects of later surges in later 393 figures, these vistas of misty dunes, flood and ebb deltas, barrier islands and decades. Land reclamation occurred, but beaches and marshes, and of tidal flats estuaries that extends from Den Helder only through projects that lasted for extending to the horizon, seep into the in the Netherlands to Blavandshuk in centuries.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cultural Heritage of the Wadden Sea
    The Cultural Heritage of the Wadden Sea 1. Overview Name: Wadden Sea Delimitation: Between the Zeegat van Texel (i.e. Marsdiep, 52° 59´N, 4° 44´E) in the west, and Blåvands Huk in the north-east. On its seaward side it is bordered by the West, East and North Frisian Islands, the Danish Islands of Fanø, Rømø and Mandø and the North Sea. Its landward border is formed by embankments along the Dutch provinces of North- Holland, Friesland and Groningen, the German state of Lower Saxony and southern Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein. Size: Approx. 12,500 square km. Location-map: Borders from west to east the southern mainland-shore of the North Sea in Western Europe. Origin of name: ‘Wad’, ‘watt’ or ‘vad’ meaning a ford or shallow place. This is presumably derives from the fact that it is possible to cross by foot large areas of this sea during the ebb-tides (comparable to Latin vadum, vado, a fordable sea or lake). Relationship/similarities with other cultural entities: Has a direct relationship with the Frisian Islands and the western Danish islands and the coast of the Netherlands, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and south Denmark. Characteristic elements and ensembles: The Wadden Sea is a tidal-flat area and as such the largest of its kind in Europe. A tidal-flat area is a relatively wide area (for the most part separated from the open sea – North Sea ̶ by a chain of barrier- islands, the Frisian Islands) which is for the greater part covered by seawater at high tides but uncovered at low tides.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Full PDF Here
    THE PHILADELPHIA PAPERS A Publication of the Foreign Policy Research Institute GREAT WAR AT SEA: REMEMBERING THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND by John H. Maurer May 2016 13 FOREIGN POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE THE PHILADELPHIA PAPERS, NO. 13 GREAT WAR AT SEA: REMEMBERING THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND BY JOHN H. MAURER MAY 2016 www.fpri.org 1 THE PHILADELPHIA PAPERS ABOUT THE FOREIGN POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE Founded in 1955 by Ambassador Robert Strausz-Hupé, FPRI is a non-partisan, non-profit organization devoted to bringing the insights of scholarship to bear on the development of policies that advance U.S. national interests. In the tradition of Strausz-Hupé, FPRI embraces history and geography to illuminate foreign policy challenges facing the United States. In 1990, FPRI established the Wachman Center, and subsequently the Butcher History Institute, to foster civic and international literacy in the community and in the classroom. ABOUT THE AUTHOR John H. Maurer is a Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He also serves as the Alfred Thayer Mahan Professor of Sea Power and Grand Strategy at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and do not represent the settled policy of the Naval War College, the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Foreign Policy Research Institute 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 610 • Philadelphia, PA 19102-3684 Tel. 215-732-3774 • Fax 215-732-4401 FOREIGN POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2 Executive Summary This essay draws on Maurer’s talk at our history institute for teachers on America’s Entry into World War I, hosted and cosponsored by the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL, April 9-10, 2016.
    [Show full text]
  • Status, Threats and Conservation of Birds in the German Wadden Sea
    Status, threats and conservation of birds in the German Wadden Sea Technical Report Impressum – Legal notice © 2010, NABU-Bundesverband Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU) e.V. www.NABU.de Charitéstraße 3 D-10117 Berlin Tel. +49 (0)30.28 49 84-0 Fax +49 (0)30.28 49 84-20 00 [email protected] Text: Hermann Hötker, Stefan Schrader, Phillip Schwemmer, Nadine Oberdiek, Jan Blew Language editing: Richard Evans, Solveigh Lass-Evans Edited by: Stefan Schrader, Melanie Ossenkop Design: Christine Kuchem (www.ck-grafik-design.de) Printed by: Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte, Berlin, Germany EMAS certified, printed on 100 % recycled paper, certified environmentally friendly under the German „Blue Angel“ scheme. First edition 03/2010 Available from: NABU Natur Shop, Am Eisenwerk 13, 30519 Hannover, Germany, Tel. +49 (0)5 11.2 15 71 11, Fax +49 (0)5 11.1 23 83 14, [email protected] or at www.NABU.de/Shop Cost: 2.50 Euro per copy plus postage and packing payable by invoice. Item number 5215 Picture credits: Cover picture: M. Stock; small pictures from left to right: F. Derer, S. Schrader, M. Schäf. Status, threats and conservation of birds in the German Wadden Sea 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 4 Technical Report 2 The German Wadden Sea as habitat for birds .......................................................................... 5 2.1 General description of the German Wadden Sea area .....................................................................................5
    [Show full text]
  • Reassessment of Long-Period Constituents for Tidal Predictions Along the German North Sea Coast and Its Tidally Influenced River
    https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2019-71 Preprint. Discussion started: 18 June 2019 c Author(s) 2019. CC BY 4.0 License. Reassessment of long-period constituents for tidal predictions along the German North Sea coast and its tidally influenced rivers Andreas Boesch1 and Sylvin Müller-Navarra1 1Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 78, 20359 Hamburg, Germany Correspondence: Andreas Boesch ([email protected]) Abstract. The Harmonic Representation of Inequalities is a method for tidal analysis and prediction. With this technique, the deviations of heights and lunitidal intervals, especially of high and low waters, from their respective mean values are represented by superpositions of long-period tidal constituents. This study documents the preparation of a constituents list for the operational application of the Harmonic Representation of Inequalities. Frequency analyses of observed heights and 5 lunitidal intervals of high and low water from 111 tide gauges along the German North Sea coast and its tidally influenced rivers have been carried out using the generalized Lomb-Scargle periodogram. One comprehensive list of partial tides is realized by combining the separate frequency analyses and by applying subsequent improvements, e.g. through manual inspections of long-time data. The new set of 39 partial tides largely confirms the previously used set with 43 partial tides. Nine constituents are added and 13 partial tides, mostly in close neighbourhood of strong spectral components, are removed. The effect of these 10 changes has been studied by comparing predictions with observations from 98 tide gauges. Using the new set of constituents, the standard deviations of the residuals are reduced by 2.41% (times) and 2.30% (heights) for the year 2016.
    [Show full text]
  • Testing Reliability of a Potential Island Mating Apiary Using DNA Microsatellites Peter Neumann, Job P
    Testing reliability of a potential island mating apiary using DNA microsatellites Peter Neumann, Job P. van Praagh, Robin F.A. Moritz, Jost H. Dustmann To cite this version: Peter Neumann, Job P. van Praagh, Robin F.A. Moritz, Jost H. Dustmann. Testing reliability of a potential island mating apiary using DNA microsatellites. Apidologie, Springer Verlag, 1999, 30 (4), pp.257-276. hal-00891583 HAL Id: hal-00891583 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00891583 Submitted on 1 Jan 1999 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Original article Testing reliability of a potential island mating apiary using DNA microsatellites Peter Neumanna Job P. van Praagh Robin F.A. Moritza Jost H. Dustmann a Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Fachgebiet Molekulare Ökologie, Institut für Zoologie, Kröllwitzerstr. 44, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany b Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 61440, South Africa c Niedersächsisches Landesinstitut für Bienenkunde Celle, Wehlstr. 4a, 29223 Celle, Germany (Received 25 July 1998; revised 21 November 1998; accepted 12 May 1999) Abstract - Twenty-four virgin sister queens were kept for 21 days in mating nuclei on the drone-free island Baltrum to test the reliability of a potential mating area.
    [Show full text]
  • Die Küste, Heft 74, 2008
    Die Küste, 74 ICCE (2008), 45-59 The Climate in the North and Baltic Sea Region By CHRISTIANA LEFEBVRE and GUDRUN ROSENHAGEN Contents 1. Natural Region . 45 2. Overview of the Climatic Conditions . 46 2.1 Air Temperature . 46 2.2 Water Temperature . 49 2.3 Precipitation . 49 2.4 Sunshine Duration . 51 2.5 Cloudiness . 52 2.6 Wind. 52 2.7 Visibility and Fog . 58 3. References . 59 1. Natural Region The German coastal areas of the North and Baltic Seas are part of the North German Lowland. The North Sea shore merges seaward into wide tidal flats, the so-called “Watten” with flat dune islands. Only the island of Helgoland has a rocky coast landscape. The Baltic Sea coast is characterised by the varied relief of flat coasts lined by dunes, steep cliffs, spits and coastal lagoons known as “Bodden” or “Haffs”. Here, the by far largest islands of Ger- many are situated: Rügen, Usedom and Fehmarn. Fig. 1: Station map 46 Die Küste, 74 ICCE (2008), 45-59 2. Overview of the Climatic Conditions The coastal areas of the North and Baltic Seas lie in the mid-latitude Westerly wind belt. The climate is predominated by low and high pressure areas that bring air masses of varying thermal and hygric properties, thus causing a continuous change in the weather conditions. In the Baltic Sea part of the region, the continental influence on the climate increases slowly towards the East. A characteristic climate feature of the North and Baltic Sea region is the constantly blowing wind. The following description of the climate of the German coastal areas is based on weather observations and the corresponding analyses for the period from 1971 to 2000.
    [Show full text]
  • Our National Park Disturbing It
    Dear Visitor, welcome to the Unique throughout the world Wadden Sea National Park in Lower Irreplaceable throughout the World Saxony! The Wadden Sea habitat, on the German North Sea coast, is You‘ll get to know a landscape which is unique in the entire unmatched anywhere else in the world. The following factors world and is therefore defi nitely worth protecting. This is also combine here to form a unique and very special place. the reason why the Dutch and German parts of the Wadden Sea were inscribed on UNESCO‘s World Heritage List in 2009. The seabed slopes gradually and is only up to 10 metres deep. Here are some useful hints to enable you to experience and enjoy its special environment. At the same time we will explain Sediments are carried here from rivers which fl ow into the how you can contribute to the conservation of the park. Wadden Sea and form deposits in quiet waters. This leafl et will tell you about: At a tidal range beyond 1.7 metres the tidal current is strong enough to deposit material from the sea. The diff erent conservation zones The dunes and sandbanks which were formed from deposited sand act as natural breakwater. The importance of the Wadden Sea The temperate climate causes the open character of the tidal The visitor Information Centres Harbour Seal landscape (under the same conditions that mangrove woods can be found in the tropics). We wish you an unforgettable stay! What is a National Park? Further information is available at the visitor information cen- tres, the National Park Authority, the many tourist information In a National Park the aim is to leave nature to itself to the agencies as well as online at: greatest possible extent and be preferably unaff ected by humans.
    [Show full text]
  • History and Heritage of German Coastal Engineering
    HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF GERMAN COASTAL ENGINEERING Hanz D. Niemeyer, Hartmut Eiben, Hans Rohde Reprint from: Copyright, American Society of Civil Engineers HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF GERMAN COASTAL ENGINEERING Hanz D. Niemeyer1, Hartmut Eiben2, Hans Rohde3 ABSTRACT: Coastal engineering in Germany has a long tradition basing on elementary requirements of coastal inhabitants for survival, safety of goods and earning of living. Initial purely empirical gained knowledge evolved into a system providing a technical and scientific basis for engineering measures. In respect of distinct geographical boundary conditions, coastal engineering at the North and the Baltic Sea coasts developed a fairly autonomous behavior as well in coastal protection and waterway and harbor engineering. Emphasis in this paper has been laid on highlighting those kinds of pioneering in German coastal engineering which delivered a basis that is still valuable for present work. INTRODUCTION The Roman historian Pliny visited the German North Sea coast in the middle of the first century A. D. He reported about a landscape being flooded twice within 24 hours which could be as well part of the sea as of the land. He was concerned about the inhabitants living on earth hills adjusted to the flood level by experience. Pliny must have visited this area after a severe storm surge during tides with a still remarkable set-up [WOEBCKEN 1924]. This is the first known document of human constructions called ‘Warft’ in Frisian (Fig. 1). If the coastal areas are flooded due to a storm surge, these hills remained Figure 1. Scheme of a ‘warft’ with a single building and its adaptions to higher storm surge levels between 300 and 1100 A.D.; adapted from KRÜGER [1938] 1) Coastal Research Station of the Lower Saxonian Central State Board for Ecology, Fledderweg 25, 26506 Norddeich / East Frisia, Germany, email: [email protected] 2) State Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forests of Schleswig-Holstein.
    [Show full text]
  • Island Transport with AG “EMS“ Group
    Island transport with AG “EMS“ group TO BORKUM, HELGOLAND AND NEUWERK 02 EDITORIAL AG “EMS” makes connections – BY LAND, ON THE WATER AND IN THE AIR Whether by land, on the water or in the air – AG “EMS” Steam ships gave way to modern car and passenger always charts a course for success. We are proud to ferries, and new areas of business were developed. look back on our past achievements, but we are even Today, AG “EMS” is a maritime tourism service provider more excited by our daily challenges. These include, all around the islands of Borkum, Helgoland and Neu- most importantly, innovation, protecting the environ- werk. We aren’t afraid to be the flagship when it comes ment and digitalisation. to introducing new technologies and striking out on new paths. As a “First Mover”, we hope to inspire others and The construction of the “New Lighthouse” in 1889 to set an example: AG “EMS” makes connections – by provided the starting impetus for regular passenger land, on the water and in the air. services to the North Sea island of Borkum. The GoZee app makes the brochure come alive Explore the brochure with the GoZee app on your smartphone or tablet and find photo galleries, direct web access and snap videos via augmented reality. GoZee: Get started in 30 seconds 1. Go to App Store or Google Play, enter “GoZee” 2. Open the app and use it on pages with in the search field and download the app to your the GoZee icon. smartphone or tablet. Photo gallery Web icon Snap video EDITORIAL 03 Helgoland Nord- Ostsee-Kanal Büsum Seehunds- bänke Dr.
    [Show full text]